Stone Seated Buddha from Sawol-ri, Sancheong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.371

Category

Sculpture

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

진주시, 경상남도— 경남 진주시 천수로137번길 38 (망경동)

Coordinates

35.175025, 128.083333

Originally buried in the temple site in Sawol-ri, Danseong-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, this stone statue was moved to Geumseonam Hermitage in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do in 1957. The pedestal supporting the Buddha statue and the mandorla (Buddhist halo of light) behind the statue all remain but many parts including the knees are damaged. The head has a curly nabal style (i.e. twirled up and around in a seashell-shaped fashion), and the face is too long compared to the head. The nose and ears are long, and the neck is fairly short. The shoulders are broad and dignified but the waist is slim, giving an awkward impression. This style of statue was popular in the late Unified Silla Period. At present it is unbalanced because the knees are damaged, but the broad shoulders and dignified chest are impressive. The beobeui (sacerdotal robe) is hanging to show the right shoulder, but the ripples on the clothing are too formal. The tip of the right hand is pointing towards the ground and the left hand, which is set on top of the knee, is holding a medicine case. Therefore this statue is thought to be a Bhaisajyaguru Buddha. The mandorla, with its outer parts almost shattered, features lotus and cloud patterns and images of presenting offerings. Bodhisattva figures, statues of guardian deities, and large lotus patterns are carved on the octagonal pedestal. The statue was made with a carving method from late Unified Silla, and is a valuable example of the kind of bold statues made during that period.

Location